Monthly Archives: June 2015

Dives in Misericordiae 7d: An Intimate Culmination

St John Paul reminds us that God’s initiative is responsible for the return to the original condition and intent of his creation of human beings. The Paschal Mystery is the culmination of this revealing and effecting of mercy, which is … Continue reading

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PS 99: Paschal Candle

Remember, you can check all of Paschale Solemnitatis on this site, among many on the internet. Do not neglect the Paschal Candle once the Vigil is over: 99. The paschal candle has its proper place either by the ambo or … Continue reading

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Laudato Si 13: The Pope’s Appeal

The encyclical letter Laudato Si is available here on the Vatican website. Pope Francis devotes the final four paragraphs (13-16) of the introduction to a personal appeal. First, there is gratitude for those who work for the challenge of a … Continue reading

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Tales From The Money Pit

I never liked the Tom Hanks/Shelley Long farce. Even before I bought my first house. I don’t like when misfortune piles up on the unsuspecting. I thought today was going to be a simple day. Long day, but simple. Took … Continue reading

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Palliumania, Part 1

Today’s feast of Peter and Paul is a big thing in Rome. And for the world’s newest archbishops. There’s a change in procedure on the docket for this year. The pallium, that woolen badge of an archbishop’s office, was blessed in … Continue reading

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Dives in Misericordiae 7c: The Fullness of Mercy

Encountering the Lord in the Garden of Olives, accompanying him before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, and standing before the Cross is more than a reenactment of history. It’s not a you-are-there moment. That is why the attraction to the gruesome … Continue reading

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PS 97-98: Easter Day

Remember, you can check the full document Paschale Solemnitatis on this site, among many on the internet. We’re now done with considerations of the Easter Vigil (PS 77-96), so we turn out attention to the next morning: 97. Mass is … Continue reading

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Laudato Si 12: A Magnificent Book

The encyclical letter Laudato Si is available here on the Vatican website. 12. What is more, Saint Francis, faithful to Scripture, invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a … Continue reading

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Worthy Women: Gertrud Luckner

 Gertrud Luckner, an English born German, spent a year of her life living in England. That year was 1932, and by the time she returned to Germany, she found her country completely transformed. Gertrud was stunned and horrified, and realized … Continue reading

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Dives in Misericordiae 7b: Good Friday

In his public ministry, Jesus demonstrated mercy in numerous ways. Not only did he heal people, and relieve their suffering. He showed mercy in subtle and simple ways: listening to people, experiencing the emotions of inner movement, as well as … Continue reading

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PS 95-96: Promoting and Preparing the Easter Vigil

Remember, you can check all of Paschale Solemnitatis on this site, among many on the internet. With these two sections, some notes on publicity and catechesis: 95. In announcements concerning the Easter Vigil care should be taken not to present … Continue reading

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Laudato Si 11: Affection, Not Naïvete

The encyclical letter Laudato Si is available here on the Vatican website. Picking up on the theme of the pilgrim mystic in LS 10, I don’t think we can easily dismiss the 13th century man from Assisi as a naif. … Continue reading

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Dives in Misericordiae 7a: Mercy Revealed in the Cross and Resurrection

Chapter V is titled “The Paschal Mystery.” It’s the longest of the document, and certainly we have a wealth of material to cover. The messianic message of Christ and His activity among people end with the cross and resurrection. We have … Continue reading

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PS 93-94: Pastoral Considerations for the Easter Vigil

Remember, you can check the full document Paschale Solemnitatis on this site, among many on the internet. Now that we’ve reviewed the structure of the Vigil in some detail(PS 82-92) we now turn to pastoral consideration that might impact the celebration. … Continue reading

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7,091 Days

One of the affectionate banters I share with my wife is over “anniversaries.” She tracks them monthly, and from 27 February 1996, I’ve suggested “mundiversary” instead. It doesn’t stick. She had a long, rough day yesterday packing and cleaning and … Continue reading

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